“Silver Sparkles” by me, via Paint
My hair is part of my identity. It’s naturally curly and naturally big. I’ve let it grow and chopped it off. I’ve permed it (don’t ask) and straightened it. I’ve had bangs and layers. I have dyed my hair various shades of red and brown and lots of places in between. I used henna. I used various boxes. For the last few years, I’ve chosen the same shade as my bestie, Tina Fey. (What’s up girl!?)
I’ve loved and hated my hair since we were born together. It’s like a twin I always thought I wanted but then actually had to live and get along with; the idea was more glamorous than reality. I’ve always gotten compliments on my hair. “You have the kind of hair that people pay big bucks to get!” and “I wish I had hair thick and curly like that!” My typical response? “You can have it.”
My hair and I have wrestled for nearly 37 years, and I believe that we are finally at peace with each other.
I am going to stop trying to control it.
I have only gotten two hair cuts in the past 18 months. I am letting it grow.
But, do I let it grow naturally, or continue to….. alter its appearance?
You know what I mean, fellow moms. The grays. Oh the grays! What is up with these wiry, shiny grays? I’m only 36! Are they my new wrestling partner?
Instead of looking forward to dying my hair or being able to do it on a whim, I find myself thinking, “Ugh. Time for another dye job. Too many grays are showing!” Just thinking of it as a “dye job” is new. It’s a job now, not a fun activity… and I need another “job” like I need another mortgage!
Not only that, a dye job is more difficult in this new ‘let it grow’ laissez-faire hair state One box no longer suffices. Now it’s at least two, and with all the grays, I have to leave the goop on longer. Let’s not forget that the whole time mommy is dying her hair, the kids are banging on the bathroom door, in and out with me, using the potty, complaining of the smell, needing me to do other things which puts our household at risk for getting dyed. And our carpet would not look good in Garnier Fructis 535, Chocolate Caramel!
And I’m drawing the line at spending money for somebody else to dye my hair. We all have to have our boundaries!
So for now, I am done with that wrestle as well. I am done with hair cuts and dye jobs. I am letting my hair grow out… all of them, in their natural glory! Won’t you join me in singing, to the tune of Frozen’s “Let It Go”, the Let It Grow anthem?
The gray on my head grows clean and bright,
With a pretty, silver sheen,
A signal of age and wisdom,
And it looks like I’m a queen.This crown is growing even though I’m young inside…
I can’t keep it dyed; Heaven knows I’ve tried….Don’t let them shine, don’t let them gleam,
Be the brown hair that’s always made me “me”,
Conceal those hairs, don’t let them show…
Well now they show!Let it grow! Let it grow!
I won’t cover it any more!Let it grow! Let it grow!
No more hair dye on the floor!I don’t care what they’re going to say….
Let my gray hair grow!
The gray never bothered me anyway!
So, fellow moms, is that your real hair color? If not, message me the dye brand and code. After all, a girl always reserves the right to change her mind!
About Mary Beth Cox